Question:
My husband, who is in his 60s and lives in Ontario, recently had emergency surgery that resulted in a colostomy. We are very new to this experience. His stoma is inverted, which seems to be quite unique and often leads to leaks unless we change his appliance every 48 hours. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any guidance would be appreciated.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. Although not ideal, having an inverted stoma is not uncommon. It can make pouching more challenging, but support is available. Seeing a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) can make a significant difference.
When choosing a pouching system, several factors need to be considered:
- The appearance, height, and shape of the stoma
- Abdominal contours (e.g., soft, round, flat)
- The stoma’s location (e.g., near the belly button or in a crease)
- The type and frequency of output (liquid vs. solid)
An inverted stoma may reduce wear time, making regular changes necessary. In most cases, some level of convexity is needed in the pouching system to help maintain a good seal. The right amount depends on individual anatomy and lifestyle.
You can contact ostomy supply companies directly for product advice and samples:
- Salts – Westech: 1-844-323-0022
- Hollister: 1-800-263-7400
- Convatec: 1-800-465-6302
- Coloplast: 1-888-880-8605
- Welland – Premier Ostomy: 514-940-9666
- Marlen: 1-844-379-9101
However, I strongly recommend reaching out to an NSWOC, who can evaluate the stoma and guide you through pouching options. You can find one using the “Find a NSWOC” tool on this page:
https://membersnswoc.ca/find.phtml
Using the right pouching system, combined with personalized guidance, will improve wear time and reduce leaks. Wishing you and your husband all the best on this journey.
Answered by
Lauren, MClSc-WH, BSN, RN, CWOCN, NSWOC
